Handsome Cycles

I wandered in to Handsome Cycles a month or so ago, having overhead people talking about them at the ArtCrank poster show. I was bike-​shopping for the first time in six or seven years, and I’d considered mass-​market bikes like I’d purchased in the past, but I wanted something I’d really feel was worth an upgrade from my old hand-​me-​down.
A fellow named Jesse was behind the counter. (One of the owners, though I didn’t know at the time. I’m entirely unaffiliated in any way except as a happy customer.) I struck up a conversation with him, and as my boyfriend shopped for cycling-​friendly jeans, Jesse listened patiently for at least 30min while I talked through my needs and anxieties about buying a new bike. He was so patient and helpful, and never once tried to «sell» me on anything — just offered ideas and feedback based on my needs and riding style. He also gave me frank tips about where I could cut costs without sacrificing anything that was important to me.
I cycle as my primary form of transportation, but I average about 10−12mph and have no desire to «race» or look like Lance Armstrong. I like sitting up, not leaning over, and find zillions of gears perplexing. You would think that I would be uncomfortable buying a custom bike, but instead Jesse made me feel more confident and comfortable than I’ve ever felt in a bike shop where I’m usually waiting for my boyfriend to stop talking about derailleurs with the staff.
The She Devil frames were still on a cargo ship, but Jesse offered to build up the floor model for me if I needed it immediately! I declined since it was cold and rainy, and plus, other customers would want to see that beautiful bike. He placed the order for me without even requiring money down, as apparently it would be no problem to sell it if I’d backed out. (Oh, and these bikes are reasonable in price compared to other bikes of the same build quality. And in my opinion are much, much more handsome!)
A few weeks later, my bike came, and Jesse was patient with me changing my mind about seat, handlebars, etc. (The stock seat is actually awesome!) He carefully adjusted the grips to my specific sitting style and put in the anti-​theft skewers I got as a special order. (Not owning a car makes quick-​release pretty pointless.) I took my bike out and put over ten miles on it that night, running errands and going out to dinner. New Bike Day is the best day!
Jesse had mentioned that after riding it a bit, I should bring it in for an adjustment. I noticed a brake pad rubbing on the tire about three weeks after purchase, and stopped by the shop. The other owner Ben was there, and in a matter of minutes he aligned my wheel and explained the spokes being put together by machine or whatever does require some human intervention after a short breaking-​in period. He was also charming and helpful, and the tune-​up was free!
Since the weather got nice, I’ve been riding my She Devil every day, including one 30-​mile day to a family event out in the ‘burbs, and I’ve been keeping up with the boy on his Surly Crosscheck. So, these are speedy bikes!
This is the longest review in the history of ever, but I want to help anyone else who’s like me and feels intimidated by not being the most steeped in the Local Bike Scene. You, too, can get an awesome bike that’s perfect for you, feel like you’re totally making the right decision, feel supported along the way, and leave with the heady joy of New Bike Day. :)

World class retail store. Beautifully fitted out, great product, friendly team, and fantastic bikes.

My first experience at Handsome Cycles took place yesterday afternoon and concluded when I rolled my new Sacre Blue «Devil» out of the store. My only prior bike shop experience had taken place at Gear West Bike & Triathlon in Long Lake, where customer service is reserved for «real» bikers, so I was nervous about visiting this mostly-​bespoke shop in the North Loop. I can honestly tell you, any trepidation is completely unnecessary.
We were walked through the process of building a bike by co-​owner Ben Morrison, who listened to me explain what I was looking for and how the bike would be used, before explaining how each of the forks and set-​ups came into play for different cyclists’ styles. Being new to the biker-​as-​commuter game, he suggested I try the «Devil,» the store’s flagship bike. I really liked the way Ben took the time to explain the bike’s materials and how they played into the ride before he let me take it for a spin (so I knew what to look and feel for).
Besides commenting on the store’s service, which was great, I have to say the bike was amazing as well. The steel frame provides a smooth ride, the build and components worth the $ 1199.95 price tag.
Ben and co-​owner Jesse Erickson tag-​teamed the installation of my Planet Bike Bamboo Fenders, offering me and my husband beers while we watched and waited at the «bar» at the bike of the shop. They were friendly and attentive, even while working on the bike, answering questions about preventing theft and community bike events. When it came time to pay the bill, Ben, realizing he had misquoted the cost of the now-​installed fenders, offered a nice discount for the accessory. I felt incredibly well taken care of.
Besides the great bikes and service, the store itself is beautiful and thoughtfully designed. I encourage everyone to visit, even if they aren’t in the market for a new ride.